IGNE FERROQUE HOSTEM ARMATUM CONTERE
Emblem of the 404th Fighter Group

Designed in January 1945, the insignia of the 404th Fighter Group is
a heraldic shield, showing a cracked shield, a fallen helmet and a broken
sword being struck by a thunderbolt. Background colors are blue sky, and
blood-red ground. The Latin inscription. “Igne ferroque hostem armatum con-
tere,” on a scroll beneath the shield, may be rendered, "With fire and steel
crush the armed (or armored) foe."

It is our understanding that Lt. Col. Lce C. Moon, S/Sgt. Luis M. Hender-
son and Sgt. Joseph H. Saling all participated in the conception, design and
execution of this insignia.
Both the inscription and the symbolism of the shield (the enemy's
defensive armor), the sword (his weapons), the helmet (enemy personnel),
and the thunderbolt (representing both attack from the air, and the type of
aircraft used by the Group), are singularly appropriate.